Efficacy of b-glucans and manna oligosaccharides (Yeast Cell Wall) and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) in preventing aflatoxicosis in bovine calves
The objective of this study was to determine the response of bovine calves against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in terms of feed consumption, hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to compare the efficacy of two different mycotoxin adsorbents, in vitro and in vivo. 36 bovine calves were divided into 4 groups. Group A was fed AFB1 added feed with the addition of â-glucans and Mannan oligosaccharides (Yeast Cell Wall), group B was fed AFB1 with hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) and group C was fed AFB1 contaminated feed without addition of mycotoxin binders while group D was kept as negative control. AFB1 was given by gelatinized capsules at a dose rate of 1.0mg/ kg/ animal/ day. Results revealed average daily feed intake (ADFI) of AFB1 treated bovine calves significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) and all hematological parameters i.e; TEC, HGB, TLC, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, MCHC, HCT and MCH decreased significantly (P less than 0.05). Moreover, serum levels of AST, ALT, Creatinine and BUN were significantly increased (P less than 0.05) in response to AFB1. When compared between groups, YCW significantly (P less than 0.05) improved the feed consumption of bovine calves while HSCAS significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) the AFB1 induced deleterious alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry.